Pulse of The People: North Greenbush Democrats endorse Robert Riley for chair

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

The North Greenbush Democratic Committee has endorsed Robert Riley to become the next chairman of the Rensselaer County Democratic Committee.

Our committee was fortunate to be able to speak at length to both candidates for this position at a meeting held on Sept. 11. I note that this committee has supported Mr. Wade in past elections for the chairmanship but circumstances demand a change in leadership to begin to heal the divisions created over the past two years.

While we weighed the experience of the current chairman against the divisions created in the party, it became clear that the ability to engender trust and respect must be the first qualifications of a party chairman. We believe that leadership cannot engage in acts of disrespect and work in an atmosphere that permits the teamwork needed for success. Our party needs to rebuild trust and respect before we can again work together as Democrats.

North Greenbush Democrats are confident that Mr. Riley will reach out to all party members and utilize their skills to the utmost benefit of our mutual goal of electing Democrats at Town, City and County Levels. We hope Chairman Wade will continue to serve the Democratic Party in these efforts.

The majority of the committee determined that we should all stand behind the majority's decision when the vote for chairman takes place. The North Greenbush Democratic Committee carries 2907 weighted vote toward the election of a chairman which requires 13,157 to win. North Greenbush represents about 20 percent of the total needed to win the chairmanship.